Keyboard and console device

Abstract

The invention discloses a keyboard. The keyboard comprises a sliding member; the first elastic component is subjected to elastic buckling deformation; the second elastic component is used for connecting and disconnecting the electric contact; a support member for guiding the sliding member; a film sheet having a first surface pressed by the second elastic member and a second surface provided with a conductive member; a printed circuit board facing the second surface and including a controller having an output port and a receiving port, a first contact connected to the output port, a second contact connected to the receiving port, and a diode connected between the receiving port and the second contact; and a spacer forming a space between the film sheet and the printed circuit board; wherein the conductive member is in contact with the first contact and the second contact according to the sliding of the sliding member.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] An aspect of the embodiment relates to a keyboard and console device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, a keyboard is known which includes rubber that provides a user with a key click feeling and a spring that turns on and off a contact, and in a key click, a contact in a dome switch is turned on by the spring pressing down the dome switch. In this keyboard, the turning on of the dome switch in the key click can be achieved, and a good feeling can be provided to the user without causing a deviation between the operation feeling and the contact turning on operation.

[0003] In recent years, the use of keyboards in games has increased, and games in which a plurality of keys are simultaneously pressed for operation are also increasing, and simultaneous pressing of a plurality of keys is essential for playing games.

[0004] When three or more keys are simultaneously pressed, a phenomenon called "ghost key input" in which current flows in an unintended direction in the circuit of the keyboard occurs. Note that the technology related to the present disclosure is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-249282, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. H4-277424, and Japanese Patent Application Publication No. H10-000237. SUMMARY

[0005] In the keyboard of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-249282, a dome switch is used, and when three or more keys are simultaneously pressed, a ghost key input phenomenon in which current flows in an unintended direction can occur.

[0006] Therefore, it can be considered to mount a diode for avoiding ghost key input on the dome switch. However, the dome switch has a structure in which contacts are printed on films that face each other with spacers interposed therebetween, and it is not easy to mount a diode for avoiding ghost key input on one of the films, and causes an increase in manufacturing cost. In addition, since the height of each of the diodes is larger than the distance between the upper film and the lower film of the dome switch, it is physically difficult to dispose the diodes between the upper film and the lower film.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a keyboard and console device that can provide a user with a good feeling and accurately detect simultaneous pressing of a plurality of keys.

[0008] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a keyboard is provided, comprising: a sliding member slidable by a pressing operation of an operating member; a first elastic member attached to the sliding member and elastically buckling and deforming according to the pressing operation of the operating member; a second elastic member attached to the sliding member and realizing the connection and disconnection of electrical contacts according to the sliding of the sliding member; a support member guiding the sliding member; a diaphragm having a first surface pressed by the second elastic member and a second surface disposed opposite to the first surface, the second surface including a conductive member; a printed circuit board disposed facing the second surface of the diaphragm, the printed circuit board including: a controller having an output port and a receiving port, a first contact connected to the output port, a second contact connected to the receiving port, and a diode connected between the receiving port and the second contact; and a spacer forming a space between the diaphragm and the printed circuit board; wherein the electrical contacts include a conductive member, a first contact and a second contact, and the conductive member contacts the first contact and the second contact according to the sliding of the sliding member.

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to provide users with a good tactile feel and accurately detect the simultaneous pressing of multiple buttons. Attached Figure Description

[0010] FIG. 1A A perspective view of a keyboard according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 1B This is a perspective view of a console device having a keyboard according to this embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 2A An exploded perspective view showing each component of the switching unit.

[0013] FIG. 2B A 3D view of an integrated switching unit.

[0014] FIG. 3A This is a plan view showing the front surface of the keycap.

[0015] FIG. 3B For along FIG. 3A The cross-sectional view taken from line AA.

[0016] FIG. 3C For along FIG. 3A The cross-sectional view of line BB.

[0017] FIG. 3D This is a plan view of the back surface of the keycap.

[0018] FIG. 4A This is a plan view of the slider as seen from above.

[0019] FIG. 4B For along FIG. 4AThe cross-sectional view taken from line AA.

[0020] FIG. 4C For along FIG. 4A The cross-sectional view of line BB.

[0021] FIG. 4D This is a 3D view of the slider.

[0022] FIG. 5A This is a plan view of the shell from above.

[0023] FIG. 5B For along FIG. 5A The cross-sectional view taken from line AA.

[0024] FIG. 5C For along FIG. 5A The cross-sectional view of line BB.

[0025] FIG. 5D This is a three-dimensional view of the shell.

[0026] FIG. 6A This is a plan view of the push-button switch assembly from above.

[0027] FIG. 6B For along FIG. 6A The cross-sectional view taken from line AA.

[0028] FIG. 6C For along FIG. 6A The cross-sectional view of line BB.

[0029] FIG. 7 A diagram illustrating the pressing characteristics of a push-button switch assembly.

[0030] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D A cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the structure of a thin film sheet, spacer, and printed circuit board.

[0031] FIG. 9A This is a three-dimensional view of the thin film, spacer, and printed circuit board.

[0032] FIG. 9B A plan view showing the positional relationship between the electrical contacts and the LED.

[0033] FIG. 10A A block diagram illustrating the connection between a printed circuit board and a computer.

[0034] FIG. 10B This is a circuit diagram of the keyboard controller and switch matrix included in a printed circuit board. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] FIG. 1A This is a perspective view of the keyboard according to this embodiment. FIG. 1B This is a perspective view of a console device having a keyboard according to this embodiment.

[0037] like FIG. 1A As shown, the keyboard 200 includes an upper cover 9, a lower cover 10, and a key switch assembly 100. The key switch assembly 100 includes a keycap 1 (operating member), a slider 2 (sliding member), a dome-shaped rubber component 3 (first elastic component), a spring 4 (second elastic component), a housing 5 (support component), a switch panel 6, a membrane 7, and a printed circuit board 8. The slider 2, the dome-shaped rubber component 3, the spring 4, and the housing 5 constitute a switch unit 101. In the keyboard 200, the switch panel 6, the membrane 7, and the printed circuit board 8 in the key switch assembly 100 are formed to expand horizontally throughout the entire keyboard and are shared by multiple switch units 101.

[0038] like FIG. 1B As shown, a console device 220, such as a machine tool, medical equipment, ticket vending machine, ATM, or self-service terminal, may include a keyboard 200 as an input device according to this embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 2A To show an exploded perspective view of each component of the switching unit 101, FIG. 2B A perspective view of the integrated switch unit 101.

[0040] FIG. 2A The switch unit 101 includes a slider 2 that can be attached to a keycap 1, a dome-shaped rubber part 3 that elastically buckles and deforms upon pressing the keycap 1 and applies a repulsive force corresponding to the elastic buckling deformation to the slider 2, a spring 4 that is attached to the slider 2 and presses down an electrical contact such as a membrane switch or a mechanical switch (not shown), and a housing 5 that is attached to the slider 2 and guides the slider 2 to slide in a vertical direction.

[0041] In the switch unit 101, the spring 4 is fixed inside the post portion 22 of the slider 2, and the dome-shaped rubber component 3 is positioned between the slider 2 and the housing 5, allowing the slider 2 to engage with the housing 5 and slide up and down. Thus, the switch unit 101 includes the slider 2, the dome-shaped rubber component 3, the spring 4, and the housing 5 as follows: FIG. 2B It is shown as a single unit.

[0042] The dome-shaped rubber component 3 is a dome-shaped member integrally molded from rubber material, and includes an annular base 31, a dome-shaped top 32 that protrudes from the base 31, and a cylindrical portion 33 extending upward from the top of the dome 32. The cylindrical portion 33 is press-fitted to the outer peripheral surface 23 of the slider 2 from below and is mounted on the outer peripheral surface 23. The dome 32 of the dome-shaped rubber component 30 deforms according to the sliding of the slider 2 in the vertical direction.

[0043] FIG. 3A This is a plan view showing the front surface of keycap 1. FIG. 3B For along FIG. 3A The cross-sectional view taken from line AA. FIG. 3C For along FIG. 3A The cross-sectional view of line BB. FIG. 3D This is a plan view showing the back surface of keycap 1.

[0044] Keycap 1 is formed by integral molding using resin as the constituent material. For example... FIG. 3B to FIG. 3D As shown, a protrusion 12 protruding downward from the upper surface 13 of the keycap 1 is provided on the back surface of the keycap 1. The protrusion 12 has a cross-shaped protrusion 26 for interacting with the slider 2 (see reference). FIG. 2A , FIG. 2B and FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D The recess 11 is for attachment.

[0045] FIG. 4A This is a plan view of slider 2 as seen from above. FIG. 4B For along FIG. 4A The cross-sectional view taken from line AA. FIG. 4C For along FIG. 4A The cross-sectional view of line BB. FIG. 4D This is a 3D view of slider 2.

[0046] The slider 2 has a main body 21 and a post 22 extending from the main body 21 toward the housing 5. The post 22 is formed with a generally square cross-sectional shape. The post 22 has a locking claw 25 for slidably locking the slider 2 to the housing 5. The locking claw 25 is aligned with a step 52a on the inner wall of the guide portion 52 of the housing 5 (see reference). FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C The main body 21 has a protrusion 24 for engaging with the keycap 1 and an outer peripheral surface 23 for press-fitting with the dome-shaped rubber part 3. Furthermore, a space 121 is provided between the main body 21 and the column portion 22 for receiving the guide portion 52 of the housing 5.

[0047] The top portion 28 at the upper end of the slider 2 includes a recess 27 for accommodating a protrusion 12 with a cross-shaped recess 11 for the keycap 1, and a cross-shaped protrusion 26 for engaging with the cross-shaped recess 11 of the keycap 1. The depth of the recess 27 is equal to or greater than the height of the protrusion 12 of the keycap 1. Therefore, even with the cross-shaped protrusion 26 provided at the upper end of the slider 2, an increase in the overall height of the key switch assembly 100 can be suppressed.

[0048] The column 22 has an opening 122 at the bottom, and a protrusion 123 for fixing the spring 4 is provided inside the column 22. A portion of the spring 4 is inserted and fixed between the inner surface 124 of the column 22 and the protrusion 123.

[0049] The slider 2 and the housing 5 are formed of different materials that have low friction when in contact. For example, the slider 2 is formed of POM resin (polyoxymethylene resin), and the housing 5 is formed of ABS resin (a thermoplastic resin polymerized from acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene monomers). This is because if the slider 2 and the housing 5 were formed of the same material, the slider 2 would get stuck in the guide portion 52 during sliding, resulting in a jamming phenomenon where the keycap 1 cannot move. Therefore, the slider 2 and the housing 5 are formed of different materials that have low friction when in contact. The materials of the slider 2 and the housing 5 are not limited to resin. To reduce friction during contact, a treatment to reduce the coefficient of friction can be performed on the parts where the slider 2 and the housing 5 contact each other.

[0050] FIG. 5A This is a plan view of the shell 5 as seen from above. FIG. 5B For along FIG. 5A The cross-sectional view taken from line AA in the diagram. FIG. 5C For along FIG. 5A The cross-sectional view taken from line BB in the diagram. FIG. 5D This is a perspective view of shell 5.

[0051] The housing 5 is a component that supports the slider 2 and the dome-shaped rubber part 3, and includes a square plate portion 51 constituting a base plate. The housing 5 includes a guide portion 52 (first guide portion) that is erected from the center of the front surface 51a of the plate portion 51 and guides the slider 2, a protrusion 53 (second guide portion) that is erected on the front surface 51a of the plate portion 51 and is located outside the guide portion 52 when viewed from the top of the plate portion 51 and guides the dome-shaped rubber part 3, and an opening 61 (see reference) that is erected on the back surface 51b of the plate portion 51 and can be mounted on the switch panel 6 (mounted component). FIG. 6B , FIG. 6CThe switch panel 6 is a plate portion 51 with legs 56. Legs 56 include claws 57 that allow the switch panel 6 to be inserted between the claws 57 and the back surface 51b of the plate portion 51. Legs 56 alone are not necessarily required to have claws 57 when securing the switch panel 6 is sufficient. An opening 151 is provided on the plate portion 51 above the claws 57. This allows the user to inspect from above whether the switch panel 6 is positioned between the claws 57 and the back surface 51b of the plate portion 51. The number of claws 57 is not limited to two; it can also be four.

[0052] A through hole 150 is formed in the center of the guide portion 52. The through hole 150 has a generally rectangular cross-section for inserting the column portion 22 of the slider 2.

[0053] FIG. 6A This is a plan view of the push-button switch assembly according to the second embodiment, viewed from above. FIG. 6B For along FIG. 6A The cross-sectional view taken from line AA in the diagram. FIG. 6C For along FIG. 6A The cross-sectional view taken from line BB in the diagram.

[0054] The push-button switch assembly 100 includes: a switch unit 101, which includes a slider 2, a dome-shaped rubber component 3, a spring 4, and a housing 5; a keycap 1 mounted on the switch unit 101 and pressed downwards; a switch panel 6, which is a positioning component for positioning the housing 5; a diaphragm 7 disposed below the housing 5 and the switch panel 6; and a printed circuit board 8 disposed below the diaphragm 7. The printed circuit board 8 includes a diode 85, which will be described later.

[0055] The thin film 7 and the printed circuit board 8 are provided with electrical contacts 71. Each of the electrical contacts 71 is located below the housing 5 and the switch panel 6, and the electrical contact closes when a predetermined pressing force is applied by the spring 4 by pressing the keycap 1.

[0056] A switch panel 6 is disposed on a diaphragm sheet 7 and a printed circuit board 8, and is fixed to the printed circuit board 8 by screws or similar means (not shown) via a spacer 62 disposed below the switch panel 6. The opening 61 of the switch panel 6 is square in shape in the plan view, and when the legs 56 of the housing 5 are mounted on the opening 61, the opening 61 is covered by the plate portion 51 of the housing 5. A space 90 with a predetermined height is formed between the switch panel 6 and the diaphragm sheet 7 by the spacer 62.

[0057] When a space 90 with a predetermined height equal to that of the leg 56 is formed, the lower part of the housing 5 can be mounted to the upper surface of the diaphragm sheet 7 by means of double-sided tape or the like, so that the push button switch assembly 100 can be configured without providing a switch panel 6.

[0058] When the user presses keycap 1, the post 22 of slider 2 slides relative to the through hole 150 of guide portion 52, and thus slider 2 moves downward. The movement of slider 2 causes the dome-shaped rubber part 3 to deform outward. The spring 4 attached to slider 2 contacts the diaphragm 7 through the movement of slider 2, and the compression of spring 4 presses the diaphragm 7, thereby closing the electrical contact 71.

[0059] When the user releases their finger from keycap 1, slider 2 returns to its initial position via the elastic force of dome-shaped rubber part 3 and spring 4. In membrane sheet 7, the pressing force of keycap 1 decreases, and electrical contact 71 disconnects.

[0060] FIG. 7 This diagram illustrates the pressing characteristics of the push-button switch assembly 100. The horizontal axis represents the travel S (press amount) of the keycap 1, and the vertical axis represents the operating force (pressing force) F. FIG. 7 The dot “a” in the diagram indicates that electrical contact 71 is closed.

[0061] like FIG. 7 As shown, when the operating force F of keycap 1 increases, the travel S also increases accordingly. At this time, the dome-shaped rubber component 3 undergoes elastic deformation, and the reaction force from the dome-shaped rubber component 3 acts on keycap 1. In this case, the pressing characteristic is equivalent to the load-displacement characteristic of the dome-shaped rubber component 3 itself, and the operating force F increases until the load acting on the dome-shaped rubber component 3 reaches the buckling load of the dome-shaped rubber component 3. When the load reaches the buckling load, the operating force F gradually decreases as the travel S increases. The peak operating force F0 is obtained through the elastic buckling deformation of the dome-shaped rubber component 3, thus allowing the user to obtain the unique click feel of key operation.

[0062] In this embodiment, the travel S1 when the contact is closed is set to a value greater than the travel S0 when the peak operating force F0 is generated and less than the end travel S2 (e.g., an intermediate value between S0 and S2). As described above, in the push-button switch assembly 100, when the operating force F generated by the buckling deformation of the dome-shaped rubber member 3 decreases, the spring 4 causes the electrical contact 71 to close and open. Therefore, there is no deviation between the operating feel and the contact closure operation, providing a good feel for the user.

[0063] In the switch unit 101, in the plan view, the area of ​​the plate portion 51 is larger than the area of ​​the opening 61 of the switch panel 6. Therefore, the plate portion 51 of the housing 5 contacts the peripheral portion of the opening 61 of the switch panel 6, and the legs 56 of the housing 5 can be installed in the opening 61 of the switch panel 6. This prevents the entire housing 5 from sinking into the opening 61 of the switch panel 6.

[0064] When the diameter of the base 31 of the dome-shaped rubber part 3 is greater than the length of one side of the plate portion 51 of the housing 5, the base 31 of the dome-shaped rubber part 3 protrudes from the plate portion 51 of the housing 5, making it difficult to obtain...FIG. 7 The pressing characteristics of the push-button switch assembly 100. When the diameter of the base 31 of the dome-shaped rubber part 3 is less than 70% of the length of one side of the plate portion 51 of the housing 5, the size of the dome-shaped rubber part 3 becomes smaller, making it difficult to obtain... FIG. 7 The push-button switch assembly 100 shown exhibits pressing characteristics. Therefore, the diameter of the base 31 of the dome-shaped rubber member 3 is preferably 70% to 100% of the length of one side of the plate portion 51 of the housing 5. In particular, by setting the diameter of the base 31 of the dome-shaped rubber member 3 to be the same length as the length of one side of the plate portion 51 of the housing 5, the size of the dome-shaped rubber member 3 is increased, thereby facilitating the acquisition of… FIG. 7 The push-button switch assembly 100 shown has a pressing characteristic, and the housing 5 is able to hold the dome-shaped rubber part 3.

[0065] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D A cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the thin film 7, the spacer 76, and the printed circuit board 8. FIG. 8A This is a view showing the state in which diode 85 is disposed on the lower surface 82 of the printed circuit board. FIG. 8B This is a view showing the state in which diode 85 is disposed on the upper surface 81 of the printed circuit board. FIG. 8C It is shown that in FIG. 8A The view shows the status of LED 95. FIG. 8D It is shown in FIG. 8B The view shows the status of LED 95. FIG. 9A This is a perspective view of the thin film 7, the spacer 76, and the printed circuit board 8. FIG. 9B It is a plan view showing the positional relationship between electrical contact 71 and LED 95. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D The structure of the thin-film sheet 7 and the printed circuit board 8 corresponding to a switching unit 101 is shown. Therefore, in FIG. 1A Of the 200 keyboards, FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D The thin film 7 and the printed circuit board 8 are arranged in a structure for each push button switch assembly 100 or each switch unit 101.

[0066] The spacer 76 is configured to form a space 78 between the thin film 7 and the printed circuit board 8. For example... FIG. 8A and FIG. 8CAs shown, the diaphragm 7 includes an upper surface 72 (first surface) pressed down by the spring 4 according to the sliding of the slider 2, and a lower surface 73 (second surface) disposed opposite to the upper surface 72 and provided with an island-shaped conductive member 74. For a switching unit 101, an island-shaped conductive member 74 is printed on the lower surface 73, and when the diaphragm 7 is pressed down by the spring 4, the conductive member 74 bridges the first contact 83 and the second contact 84 of the printed circuit board 8. Therefore, when the diaphragm 7 is pressed down by the spring 4, current flows from the first contact 83 through the conductive member 74 to the second contact 84, or from the second contact 84 through the conductive member 74 to the first contact 83. The conductive member 74 is sized to bridge the first contact 83 and the second contact 84 of the printed circuit board 8, and its shape is not particularly limited. No wiring patterns are connected to the island-shaped conductive member 74, and the island-shaped conductive member 74 is isolated from adjacent conductive members 74. Since only island-shaped conductive members 74 are formed on the lower surface 73 of the thin film 7, there is no need to set wiring patterns on the thin film 7, thus reducing manufacturing costs.

[0067] exist FIG. 8A and FIG. 8C In the middle, diode 85 is disposed on the lower surface 82 of printed circuit board 8; in FIG. 8B and FIG. 8D In the circuit, diode 85 is disposed on the upper surface 81 of the printed circuit board 8. FIG. 8C and FIG. 8D The structures are respectively with FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B The structure is the same, except that it provides LEDs (light-emitting diodes) 95 (lighting devices).

[0068] like FIG. 8A and FIG. 8C As shown, the printed circuit board 8 has an upper surface 81 (third surface) facing the lower surface 73 of the thin film 7, and a lower surface 82 (fourth surface) disposed opposite to the upper surface 81. The output ports 183a to 183d of the keyboard controller 180 (see reference) FIG. 10B The first contact 83 is connected to the keyboard controller 180 and the receiving ports 184a to 184d (see reference). FIG. 10B The second contact 84 for connection is formed on the upper surface 81. The lower surface 82 is provided with receiving ports 184a to 184d connected to the keyboard controller 180 (see reference). FIG. 10BA diode 85 is located between the first contact 83 and the second contact 84. The second contact 84 and the diode 85 are connected by a via wiring 86 through the printed circuit board 8. The first contact 83 and the second contact 84 are arranged facing each other via a space 78. When the diaphragm 7 is pressed down by the spring 4, the conductive member 74 contacts the first contact 83 and the second contact 84. The conductive member 74, the first contact 83, and the second contact 84 are formed of a conductive ink paste such as carbon or silver, and constitute the aforementioned electrical contact 71. The first contact 83 and the second contact 84 may also be formed of copper foil or a metal plating.

[0069] For example, the thickness of the thin film 7 is 70 μm to 100 μm, and the height of the spacer 76 (i.e., the distance between the thin film 7 and the printed circuit board 8) is 100 μm to 150 μm. For example, the thickness of the diode 85 is 0.3 to 0.8 mm (300 to 800 μm). For example, the thickness of each of the conductive member 74, the first contact 83, and the second contact 84 is 5 to 10 μm. For example, the thickness of the printed circuit board 8 is 1 to 2 mm, and the thickness of the LED 95 is 0.3 to 0.8 mm.

[0070] As described above, since the thickness of diode 85 is greater than the height of spacer 76 (i.e., the distance between thin film 7 and printed circuit board 8), it is physically difficult to place diode 85 between thin film 7 and printed circuit board 8. Therefore, it is advisable to set the distance between thin film 7 and printed circuit board 8 to be greater than the thickness of diode 85. However, when the distance between thin film 7 and printed circuit board 8 is set to be greater than the thickness of diode 85, FIG. 7 The pressing characteristics (the relationship between button travel and load) of the push button switch assembly 100 will change, failing to provide a good tactile feel for the user.

[0071] Therefore, as FIG. 8A and FIG. 8C As shown, by placing the diode 85 on the lower surface 82 of the printed circuit board 8, ghost key input caused by pressing multiple keys at the same time can be avoided while providing a good tactile feel for the user.

[0072] like FIG. 8B and FIG. 8D As shown, the diode 85 and the wiring 87 connecting the second contact 84 and the diode 85 can also be disposed on the upper surface 81 of the printed circuit board 8. In this case, the thin film 7 has a first through hole 75 at a position facing the diode 85 for the diode 85 to pass through. With the thin film 7 having the first through hole 75, even if the diode 85 is disposed on the upper surface 81 of the printed circuit board 8, it is not necessary to change the spacing between the thin film 7 and the printed circuit board 8, thus avoiding ghost key input caused by multiple keys being pressed simultaneously while providing a good tactile feel for the user.

[0073] like FIG. 8C and FIG. 8D As shown, the printed circuit board 8 may have a second through-hole 88 through the printed circuit board 8, and the LED 95 may be disposed in the second through-hole 88. The LED 95 may be electrically connected to wiring (not shown) on the lower surface 82 of the printed circuit board 8, and may be turned on and off. This can enhance the aesthetics of the keyboard 200 through lighting. In addition, since the printed circuit board 8 is used instead of the lower membrane of the membrane switch, the installation of the LED 95 is facilitated.

[0074] The film sheet 7 is formed from, for example, a transparent PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film with a light transmittance of 50% or greater. When a transparent PET film with a light transmittance of 90% or greater is used, white printing can be performed on the upper surface 72 of the film sheet 7 to diffuse the milky white light upward.

[0075] FIG. 10A A block diagram illustrating the connection relationship between the printed circuit board 8 and the computer 210, FIG. 10B This is a circuit diagram of the keyboard controller 180 and switch matrix 181 included in the printed circuit board 8.

[0076] like FIG. 10A As shown, the printed circuit board 8 includes a keyboard controller 180 and a switch matrix 181, and is connected to a computer 210 as an external device. The keyboard controller 180, composed of an IC (integrated circuit) or microprocessor, identifies pressed keys and sends the key code corresponding to the pressed key to the computer 210. In response to a request from the computer 210, the keyboard controller 180 returns information about the type of keyboard 200 to the computer 210. The switch matrix 181 includes a first contact 83, a second contact 84, and a diode 85 for each switch unit 101.

[0077] like FIG. 10B As shown, the keyboard controller 180 includes output ports 183a to 183d for outputting drive current to the switch matrix 181, and receiving ports 184a to 184d for receiving current from the switch matrix 181 corresponding to the on or off states of the electrical contacts 71. The number of output ports and the number of receiving ports are not limited to... FIG. 10B Examples. For example, when FIG. 8B When the electrical contact 71 shown is closed, the drive current from the output port 183a flows along path 185 through diode 85 to the receiving port 184a. Even if multiple electrical contacts are closed simultaneously, diode 85 can prevent parasitic current from being generated, thereby preventing ghost key input.

[0078] Keyboard 200 corresponds to N key rollover (N is an integer greater than 2), where when multiple keys are pressed simultaneously, all key inputs are recognized according to the pressing order.

[0079] As described above, according to this embodiment, the keyboard 200 includes: a slider 2 that is slidable by pressing the keycap 1; a dome-shaped rubber member 3 mounted on the slider 2 and elastically buckling and deforming according to pressing the keycap 1; a spring 4 mounted on the slider 2 and realizing the connection and disconnection of the electrical contact 71 according to the sliding of the slider 2; a housing 5 that guides the slider 2; a diaphragm sheet 7; a printed circuit board 8; and a spacer 76 that forms a space between the diaphragm sheet 7 and the printed circuit board 8. Furthermore, the diaphragm sheet 7 has an upper surface 72 that is pressed down by the spring 4 according to the sliding of the slider 2, and a lower surface 73 that is disposed opposite to the upper surface 72 and is provided with a conductive member 74. The printed circuit board 8 includes: a keyboard controller 180 having output ports 183a to 183d for outputting drive current and receiving ports 184a to 184d for receiving current corresponding to the connection or disconnection of electrical contacts 71; a first contact 83 connected to the output ports 183a to 183d; a second contact 84 connected to the receiving ports 184a to 184d; and a diode 85 connected between the receiving ports 184a to 184d and the second contact 84. The printed circuit board 8 faces the lower surface 73 of the thin film 7. When the thin film 7 is pressed down by the spring 4 according to the sliding of the slider 2, the conductive member 74 contacts the first contact 83 and the second contact 84, and the conductive member 74, the first contact 83, and the second contact 84 constitute electrical contact 71.

[0080] As described above, in the keyboard 200, unlike ordinary membrane switches, the lower membrane of the membrane switch is formed by a printed circuit board 8 with diodes 85. Therefore, parasitic currents caused by the simultaneous pressing of multiple keys can be avoided, and the simultaneous pressing of multiple keys can be accurately detected. In addition, since the operating force F generated during the buckling deformation of the dome-shaped rubber part 3 decreases, the spring 4 connects and disconnects the electrical contact 71, so there is no deviation between the operating feel and the contact connection operation, providing a good feel for the user.

[0081] In a typical membrane keyboard, a printed circuit board is placed below the membrane switch, which includes an upper membrane, a lower membrane, and spacers. This printed circuit board has a keyboard controller for sending the key code corresponding to the pressed key to the computer. In contrast, in this embodiment, the lower membrane of the membrane switch is not provided. Therefore, the number of components can be reduced compared to a typical membrane keyboard.

[0082] When diode 85 is placed on the upper surface 81 of printed circuit board 8, the thickness of diode 85 will increase the spacing between thin film 7 and printed circuit board 8, which may cause... FIG. 7 The pressing characteristics of the push-button switch assembly 100 change, failing to provide a good tactile feel for the user. In contrast, such as FIG. 8A and FIG. 8C As shown, when diode 85 is disposed on the lower surface 82 of printed circuit board 8, it is not necessary to change the spacing between thin film 7 and printed circuit board 8, thus enabling operation without changing the spacing between the two surfaces. FIG. 7 The push-button switch assembly 100 provides a good tactile feel to the user when pressed.

[0083] like FIG. 8B and FIG. 8D As shown, by providing a first through-hole 75 in the thin film 7 for the diode 85 to pass through, even when the diode 85 is disposed on the upper surface 81 of the printed circuit board 8, it is not necessary to change the spacing between the thin film 7 and the printed circuit board 8. Therefore, it is possible to achieve this without changing the... FIG. 7 The push-button switch assembly 100 provides a good tactile feel to the user when pressed.

[0084] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. The scope of this disclosure is not limited by the foregoing but by the claims, which are intended to include all modifications and equivalents within the meaning and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A keyboard, the keyboard comprising: A sliding member, which is slidable by the pressing operation of the operating member; A first elastic member is attached to the sliding member and undergoes elastic buckling and deformation according to the pressing operation of the operating member; A second elastic member is attached to the sliding member, and the connection and disconnection of the electrical contacts are realized according to the sliding of the sliding member; A supporting member that guides the sliding member; A thin film having a first surface pressed by a second elastic member and a second surface disposed opposite to the first surface, the second surface including a conductive member; A printed circuit board, the printed circuit board facing the second surface of the thin film. The printed circuit board includes: A controller with output and receive ports; The first contact connected to the output port; The second contact connected to the receiving port; and A diode connected between the receiving port and the second contact; and a spacer that forms a space between the thin film and the printed circuit board; The electrical contact includes the conductive member, the first contact, and the second contact, and The conductive component comes into contact with the first contact and the second contact according to the sliding of the sliding component.

2. The keyboard according to claim 1, wherein, The printed circuit board has a third surface facing the second surface of the thin film and a fourth surface disposed opposite to the third surface, and The first contact and the second contact are disposed on the third surface, and the diode is disposed on the fourth surface.

3. The keyboard according to claim 1, wherein, The printed circuit board has a third surface that faces the second surface of the thin film. The first contact, the second contact, and the diode are disposed on the third surface, and The thin film has a first through hole at a position facing the diode, through which the diode passes.

4. The keyboard according to claim 1, wherein, The printed circuit board has a third surface facing the second surface of the thin film, a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, and a second through-hole passing through the printed circuit board. The keyboard also includes a lighting device disposed in the second through hole and electrically connected to wiring disposed on the fourth surface.

5. The keyboard according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The conductive component is not connected to the wiring pattern, and the conductive component is isolated from adjacent conductive components.

6. A console device comprising a keyboard according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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